Photoshop Shortcut keys

Photoshop Shortcut keys

01. Create New layer

Get started on your latest project in next to no time with this handy shortcut that instantly

02. Create new layer behind selected layer

MAC: Ctrl+New Layer icon

WINDOWS: Cmd+New Layer Icon

Mastering the new layer shortcut is a doddle, so once you’re ready to drop in a layer behind it, be sure to use this shortcut.

03. Fill a layer

MAC: Alt+Backspace (foreground) or Cmd+Backspace (background)

WINDOWS: Alt+Delete (foreground) or Ctrl+Delete (background)

This command will fill an empty later with the current foreground or background colour.

04. Flatten layers

MAC: Cmd+Alt+Shift+E

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E

Add a new, empty layer to the top of your stack, select it and use the above command to flatten the layers in an image to sharpen the result. This adds a flattened version of the image to the new layer but leaves the stacked layers intact too.

05. Merge visible layers

MAC: Cmd+Shift+E

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+E

This command enables you to merge all your existing layers to create one new layer. Beware! Once merged, they’re extremely difficult to separate.

06. Stamp down selected layers

MAC: Cmd+Alt+E

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+E

Once you’ve selected your layers, use this command to merge them into just one layer. To see them merged as a new layer, simply add in the Shift modifier. This is useful if you need to make adjustments later on.

07. New layer via copy

MAC: Cmd+J

WINDOWS: Ctrl+J

Use this command to create a new layer from an existing one. Sound complicated? Give it a go!

08. New layer via cut

MAC: Cmd+Shift+J

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+J

Like creating a new layer via copy, this command will create a new layer with the selected image area in it. The only difference via cut is that it will remove the selected image portion from the original image.

09. Bring layer to top of stack

MAC: Cmd+Shift+]

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+]

Here, you can move your preferred layer to the top of the stack of images you’re working with in Photoshop.

10. Send layer to bottom of stack

MAC: Cmd+Shift+[

WINDOWS: Ctrl+Shift+[

Yep, this is pretty self-explanatory. It does exactly the same as the command above, but in the opposite direction.

11. Bring layer forward

MAC: Cmd+]

WINDOWS: Ctrl+]

This Photoshop shortcut enables you to bring any selected image to the front.

12. Send layer back

MAC: Cmd+[

WINDOWS: Ctrl+[

If you decide to change your mind, you can always select the image and send it to the back of the pile.